Celebrate National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month With a Fun Herb Garden Project
Every June, National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month reminds us to celebrate the importance of fresh produce in our lives. It’s the perfect time to not only enjoy nature’s bounty but also to teach your family where fresh food comes from. What better way to do that than by starting your very own herb garden at home?
This project isn’t just fun and easy; it’s a wonderful learning opportunity for children aged 3 to 12. Whether you’re looking to help kids connect with nature, teach them about healthy eating, or simply have a hands-on activity to enjoy together, growing an herb garden is an activity everyone can get behind.
Here’s everything you need to know, from supplies to step-by-step instructions, to get started cultivating your own indoor or outdoor mini-garden.
Why Start a Family Herb Garden?
Planting an herb garden with your family has benefits beyond the fresh basil for your homemade pizza! Here are just some of the reasons to get your hands dirty.
Connect With Nature
Kids often spend their days indoors, but an herb garden provides a sensory experience that reconnects them with the natural world. Watching seeds transform into plants is fascinating for children and helps cultivate a genuine appreciation for nature.
Promote Healthy Eating Habits
When kids grow their own herbs, they’re more likely to try new vegetables and fresh foods at the dinner table. Topping spaghetti with parsley or sipping mint-infused lemonade becomes much more exciting when they’ve helped grow the ingredients.
Fun and Educational
From understanding how plants grow and need sunlight to learning the unique scents and uses of herbs, your kids will keep asking questions and discovering new things as they build their garden. Plus, younger kids can practice fine motor skills while digging and planting.
What You’ll Need
Before you start planting, gather the materials and items you’ll need for an easy and enjoyable gardening experience.
Supplies List
Herb seeds (good beginner options are basil, mint, parsley, chives, or thyme)
Small pots or seed trays with drainage holes
Potting soil (look for an organic mix designed for herbs)
Watering can or spray bottle
Plant labels or popsicle sticks for naming the plants
Gardening gloves (optional but great for little hands)
Optional Materials for Extra Fun
Paint or markers to decorate pots
A child-sized gardening set (small spade, trowel, and watering can)
A grow light (if you lack natural light indoors)
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Your Own Herbs
Starting your family herb garden is simple and rewarding. Here's a step-by-step guide to setting it up with your little ones.
Step 1. Choose Your Growing Space
Decide whether you’ll grow your herbs indoors or outdoors.
Indoors: Place pots near a sunny windowsill that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
Outdoors: Pick a spot in your yard or balcony with good sunlight and ensure it’s safe from strong winds or pests.
Step 2. Decorate Your Pots or Containers
Make this a fun craft activity to kick things off. Ask your kids to paint or decorate the pots with their favorite patterns, colors, or even their names. Not only is this creative, but it also helps personalize each plant.
Step 3. Prep the Pots
Fill the pots or seed trays with potting soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top. This is a great opportunity to teach kids about soil and how it nourishes plants.
Step 4. Plant the Seeds
Help your kids place the seeds in the soil, following the instructions on the seed packet for depth. Typically, herb seeds are planted about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Cover with soil gently and water lightly to moisten the top layer.
Step 5. Label the Herbs
Use plant labels or popsicle sticks so everyone remembers which seed is planted in which pot. This is especially handy when the plants start to grow.
Step 6. Water and Wait
Show kids how to water their plants just enough to keep the soil damp but not soggy. Use a spray bottle for smaller hands to control the amount of water. Make a routine of watering every day or every other day, depending on climate conditions.
Step 7. Watch Them Grow
Place your pots in the chosen sunny location and watch the magic happen! Herbs typically sprout in 1-2 weeks, depending on the variety.
Step 8. Harvest and Enjoy
Once the herbs are grown, teach your kids how to harvest them safely without harming the plant. Snip basil leaves for a salad or use parsley as garnish for family dinners.
Tips for Success
Here are some additional tips to make your herb garden thrive.
If growing indoors, rotate the pots occasionally so all sides get equal sunlight exposure.
Keep an eye out for overwatering. Yellow leaves are a sign your plant might need less water.
Choose herbs with multiple uses, like mint (great for desserts and drinks) or thyme (perfect for soups and marinades).
Popular Herb Garden Recipes
Here are a few easy, kid-approved recipes to try with your homegrown herbs.
Mint Lemonade: Freshly squeeze lemons into water, add sugar to taste, and muddle mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
Herbed Butter: Mix chopped parsley, chives, or basil into softened butter for a tasty topping on bread or cooked veggies.
Mini Margherita Pizzas: Use fresh basil as a topping on homemade or store-bought mini pizzas.
Additional Resources for Beginners
Looking for more guidance on herb gardening? Check these out!
National Gardening Association: A helpful place to learn basic gardening tips.
Big Green’s Gardening with Kids Guide: Full of activities and ideas for gardening as a family.
USDA Plants Database: A detailed resource on all plant species in the U.S.